Tigers’ score review call was wrong: AFL

AFL football boss Steve Hocking admits improvements must be made to the score review system labelled an “embarrassment” by Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.

Hocking admitted an error was made when Tigers youngster Jack Higgins had a goal overturned on review during his side’s victory over St Kilda. The Tigers led by 13 points early in Saturday’s third quarter at the MCG when Higgins kicked truly from the forward pocket, only for the field umpire to call for a score review.

Replays showed the ball had clearly crossed the line before being touched by St Kilda ruckman Tom Hickey. But the goal umpire’s initial call was overturned and the Saints went on to kick four goals straight and snatch back the lead.

The AFL has since reviewed the decision and concluded it was a mistake to overturn the goal because the evidence was not beyond reasonable doubt.

Hocking says score review staff will be instructed to stick with the goal umpire’s call if there is “any doubt whatsoever with a lack of clear vision”.

“I would repeat again that the overall mechanics of the score review system are good for the game in correcting errors and ensuring against wrong decisions, with some 29 reviews this season reaching a decision that corrected an original Hocking said yesterday.

“That said, when an overrule decision is made that is incorrect or confusing for fans, such as the decision in Saturday’s game, all of that good work is quickly undone and clubs, players and fans will lose faith in the process of going to a score review.”

Hocking conceded the Tigers had been on the wrong end of several poor review calls, adding that the AFL would continue to “coach and educate” staff. error,”